Chat with Amin Elhassan

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, NBA Insider Amin Elhassan stops by to chat about the latest news from around the hardcourt.

Elhassan joined the ESPN NBA Insider team following a stint with the Phoenix Suns. He earned his way up the ranks with the Suns, serving as a video coordinator, college scout, before finally working as the assistant director of basketball operations. While with the Suns, he also earned his MBA from Arizona State.

Amin

(2:55 PM)

Hey folks! Thanks for joining me once again....let's get crackin'!

Philip / Houston, TX [via mobile]

Why no talk of LeBron to the rockets in the off-season? Lin and asik would be expiring deals and the rights to Chandler Parsons who is from Florida would be an attractive piece for Miami if LeBron forces their hand.... the rockets lineup would be Beverley, Harden, James, Jones, and Dwight. That's a better 5 than the heat have now (younger too) plus that would leave the heat with enough pieces to contend next year (with wade and bosh) and sign a big free agent the following year...

Amin

(2:56 PM)

Two reasons: 1- I don't think LeBron is going to leave Miami. 2- the Rockets would need something of a miracle to clear enough cap space to sign him outright

Nick (NC)

Who's the better dunker, Kemp or Griffin?

Amin

(2:57 PM)

Wow! Great question....I think at this point, given the more impressive range of dunks, I'd go with Griffin. But Kemp's dunk on Chris Gatling might be my favorite in-game dunk of all time.....he threw down so nasty dude had no other recourse but to dap him up!

luke (LA)

Have injuries robbed Eric Gordon of his game and athleticism? How is he averaging a career low in ppg starting alongside Alexis Ajinca, Brian Roberts and Aminu? Are his best days behind him?Will he ever be an All Star?

Amin

(2:58 PM)

Yes. See previous question. Yes. No.

airuphere (DC)

Random question, but how on earth did Larry Sanders get paid? Hold the sarcasm, I know he signed a contract with the Bucks and thats how he literally got paid. I don't know him personally, but he acted a fool in a few games, has minimal offensive skills and he hadn't proved anything except he is big and strong. His season thus far has been predictable, I mean right, you feel me right Amin? And guys like Nate Robinson can't even make 4 mil a year, but has proven that he can win you at least 1 playoff game. When will owners, GM's learn (how to act like the Spurs and Pacers) that personal actions also make the player?

Amin

(2:59 PM)

I think many fell in love with his defensive impact and allowed that to cloud the other aspects of his game and personality that make him a net negative. For the record, I was not one of those people. That's why the intel process is so important during predraft evaluation!

Drom John (Macon, GA)

The Spurs set a record against the Cavaliers when all 13 players recorded an assist. Do you think that record has a chance to be broken in the next ten years? IOW, with more teams resting players, is there any talk about expanding the number of players suited up for a game?

Amin

(3:00 PM)

I don't see that record being matched, let alone broken! So hard to get everyone on the roster to think the game the right way, particularly when there are guys who haven't played for two weeks and are itching to get shots up. Don't see any need to expand the active roster beyond what we have already

Amin

(3:01 PM)

Jeff (Phoenix)

Hey Amin, thanks for chatting. In your opinion, who is the best defender: Shawn Marion in his prime or Paul George today?

Amin

(3:02 PM)

Marion was much more versatile (could guard all five positions), and was a tremendous help defender on top of his one-on-one prowess. I'm going with the Matrix!!

Jeff (Phoenix)

Like you I've been pleasantly surprised by the Suns this season. But I have to ask: doesn't their offense get a bit stagnant? It can be very fun to watch, but sometimes the ball sticks a lot and nobody moves, nobody screens. Gerald Green, good or bad, is fun to watch, but he may be the biggest black hole in the league!

Amin

(3:05 PM)

I've been saying it for quite a while now, the Suns offense isn't the most imaginative in the world, particularly when you look at the off-the-ball action. As for Mr Green, part of why he's been so successful this year is because the Suns choose to look past his shortcomings and emphasize his strengths!

Ricardo (NY)

Hi Amin, thanks for taking the time. I've got 2 quick questions:1) If a team trades away a free agent to be (e.g. like Luol Deng), can they re-sign him in the summer?2) Free agents are only allowed to negotiate on July 1st. But by then don't agents already have a pretty good idea of who's willing to offer what?

Amin

(3:06 PM)

1- Yes. 2- You've just stumbled upon one of the league's dirty little secrets, namely teams and agents are usually in conversation for weeks (even months) advance of the July 1 deadline....sure, there are conversations that begin during the legal contact period but many more don't.

Keanu (Honolulu)

Hi Amin, where would you rank Thibs among NBA coaches and do you think he'll stay with the Bulls?

Amin

(3:10 PM)

For my money, I think I'd rather have Popovich, Spoelstra, Carlisle, D'Antoni, or the Van Gundy brothers or Phil Jackson if we are counting guys not coaching (in no particular order). That's not a knock on Thibs, I think he's one of the best coaching minds in the game. I think he'll stay with the Bulls as long as they are willing to pay him the going rate

Claus (Germany)

With the Hawks winning 1 out of the last 10 games are they going to the lottery? And who is your favorite to grab the last spot in the east?

Clark (NYC)

Whats up Amin! What are the Hawks doing right now, are they tanking? I know we have a ton of injuries, but it kind of looks like we are tanking. Whats going on down in ATL?

Amin

(3:11 PM)

The hawks are struggling with a ton of injuries. Anytime you have to sign Mike Muscala as the savior should be sign that things aren't going right! I think they'll hold on to that spot though, as Cleveland (biggest threat) has a horrendous schedule down the stretch

Robin (Sherwood)

Amin,If you were the GM of the Knicks...what would be your first order of business to start to right this broken down ship?Thanks,

Amin

(3:13 PM)

It's not a sexy answer, but you really have to raze this thing to the ground. Try to proactively get a feel for which teams have an interest in Melo and evaluate their rosters: who (or what) would you want from them in a potential sign and trade deal? Trying to accumulate picks would be a main objective, particularly in seasons that the knicks are pick-less. That means shopping some of your attractive pieces (Hardaway Jr)

Mike (MD)

Assuming a 3-6 seed for the Wizards, who do you think their best &#x26; worst first round matchups would be?

Amin

(3:13 PM)

Worst would be Chicago. Best would be anyone who isnt Chicago

Sam Hinkie (Philadelphia, PA)

Hey Amin,Do you think a team like the Lakers or Nuggest will deal their top 6 pick and a future first for Thaddeus and Pelicans pick? I really want Wiggins and Exum/Parker.

Amin

(3:14 PM)

Well Sam, I wouldn't take that deal, but as they say, there's a sucker born every minute

Drom John (Macon, GA)

As good as Splitter screens, Oberto was fab.And the most vicious screen I ever saw was Duncan taking out Duke's Steve Wojciechowski in the back-court.

Amin

(3:15 PM)

You just made me grin ear to ear. Fab Oberto was devastating on screens, he was the prototypical San Antonio big: smart, savvy, physical, skilled. As far as Duncan cracking Wojo goes......muahahahaha!

Mark (Cary, NC)

Hello Amin - I believe you are on record as stating the Celtics should build around Rajon Rondo as opposed to dealing him. Assuming this to be true - what TYPE players do you put around him? Currently - they have players to run&#x26;gun (Green, Bradley,Johnson) and halfcourt types (Sullinger, Olynyk). Do they NEED a veteran to keep his personality in check (Pierce

Amin

(3:16 PM)

Rondo needs talent around him. The better the talent, the better his talents shine. They dont necessarily need a vet to keep him in check so much as they need talents he respects

Akash (Florida)

Will Melo join the Bulls

Amin

(3:16 PM)

Ask LaLa

Zack (LA)

NBA players are on the road a lot. Who pays for their meals and whatnot? Does the team pay for all of that?

Amin

(3:18 PM)

Great question Zack. Players (and team staff) are all paid a per diem when on the road (I believe it's up to $120/day), from which they are expected to pay for their meals. Additionally, the team might have a team breakfast meeting in lieu of a shootaround on game day, so thats another free meal.

Adam (New York)

Do you see the Heat adding a Jamison or a MWP or a Stephen Jackson for that 15th spot?

Amin

(3:18 PM)

Possibly, but in any case it would be an in case of emergency signing

Jeff (San Antonio)

Hi Amin,What position would you be looking to add a player before the playoffs if you were the Spurs?

Amin

(3:19 PM)

Given the injury bug that's run through their team, I'd say a wing. But I don't think they need anything more than what they already have.

Chris (Detroit)

Settle an argument for me: If you were building a contender for THIS season, who would you rather have, Bogut or Drummond (assuming health was not an issue)?

Amin

(3:20 PM)

"Building" and "this season" are kind of mutually exclusive, but I'm guessing you're asking if I need a guy for the playoffs today? I'm going with Bogut, I don't want to have to wait for Drummond to adjust to higher intensity level in playoffs. Obviously if this question extends past the here and now, Drummond is the answer

Dylan (New Orleans)

Are we still saying OKC is the favorite out West? Are we still saying Indiana is the favorite in the East? Seems like they are hyping the Heat/Clips/Spurs up, and are going to "make them catch a body like that".

Amin

(3:21 PM)

I've said the Heat are the favorites all year long. Indiana might end up with the higher seed, but that doesn't necessarily make them the "favorite". Out West, it's hard to call anyone the favorite, as matchups will be pivotal.

Pierce (Canada)

Do you think the Heat are going to be able to greatly improve their defensive efficiency come playoff time simply by giving more effort? Or are there bigger issues they need to address?

Amin

(3:22 PM)

I think they will tighten up as the playoffs near, but I also think adjusting to playing two bigs up front (as opposed to small ball) will be something they need to hone before then

Bo Schwartz (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Is there any team right now where you think: "Come on, guys. You're much better than this. If you would just get you heads straight, you would play better. It's all in your heads." ?

Amin

(3:22 PM)

Golden State

Arun (NY)

I'm being realistic, Thibs is not coming to NY. Who's next on the list (I don't want anything to do with Calipari, Nate, Skiles, or any of those also-rans). Any talked about assistants like Clifford out there?

Amin

(3:23 PM)

I just don't see the Knicks signing a "who??" candidate. They'll want a name they can put on that marquee.....

Collin (Dallas)

Do you have any suggestions on how to fix the disparity between the East and West? If the playoffs started today, Memphis would miss the playoffs in the West, but would be the 3 seed in the East. I like the conferences and the playoff rivalries that they bring, but at some point it's just not fair.

Amin

(3:23 PM)

I've suggested doing away with conferences (seeding teams 1-16), but apparently that isn't a popular idea

burgherofborneo (Oakland, CA)

Are there better options for the Warriors than Mark Jackson?

Amin

(3:26 PM)

Let's say Jackson could be doing a better job with some of his decisions

James (Houston)

Who does Patrick Beverley remind you of in terms of past/current NBA players? Is he a better option than Jeremy Lin?

Amin

(3:27 PM)

A better Darrell Armstrong....he's not necessarily better than Lin, but for what the Rockets need out of that position with their most used lineups, he is a better fit

Grant (Albany) [via mobile]

How concerned should the Pacers be with their offensive struggles and inconsistent defense recently? Think that there is a decent chance it's not Miami-Pacer in the ECF?

Amin

(3:28 PM)

At risk of opening myself up to a "gotcha" moment, there aint no way in hell we dont see Miami vs Indiana in the conference finals

Yellow King (Lake Charles, LA)

1. Are you copping those self-lacing Nikes next year? 2. How ridiculous is it that some NBA teams don't have their own practice facilities?

Amin

(3:31 PM)

1. Only after I cop the DeLorean hover-car conversion. 2. Unfortunately, NBA teams don't have wealthy alumni donors who would like nothing more than to pay $30 mill to have a state of the art building built with their names adorned on the side,

Mo (Chicago)

Broussard says the Bulls would only have to amnesty Boozer and trade Dunleavy to offer Melo $18M. Is that accurate?

Amin

(3:37 PM)

I'd have to look up the particulars but off the top of my head, no they'd need to do more

Phil (KC)

Looks like the Suns are bringing Bledsoe back. Does that keep them in the playoffs?

Amin

(3:38 PM)

Bledsoe is rumored to return by the Cleveland game at the latest. Hs return will help, but I think ultimately they will be the ones on the outside looking in on the playoff picture

Chris (Philly)

If Noah can become a top 10 player in the league, why not Noel?

Amin

(3:39 PM)

Other than the fact they both have funny hair styles and four letter last names that start with "NO" , I don't see the comparison in talent level

Pierre Jackson (Istanbul)

Did the Pelicans make a mistake by not signing or trading me? Are draft and stash American players going to more common going forward? Will others cooperate more than I did?

Amin

(3:41 PM)

Hey Pierre! Hope you are enjoying Turkey! Without knowing the offers on the table for New Orleans, it's hard to argue them not trading you. They should have had you in camp, but once the season started going sideways with injuries, bringing you up would have been a mistake. As far as draft and stash Americans go, you aren't the first and you won't be the last. As I'm sure you know, given the choice to play in the d-league for $24k or go make real scratch in Europe, most guys will happily follow your footsteps!

George Costanza (Vandalay Industries)

What do you think about this Melo to Chicago rumor? How much leverage would the Knicks have if Melo said he wanted to go in a sign and trade?

Amin

(3:43 PM)

And you want to be my latex salesman.....surprisingly, the Knicks would have a good deal of leverage. After all, they;d be in a similar situation that the Nuggets were in when they wanted to deal him to New York: negotiating with a team that wants him that he wants to go to. Unlike the Knicks in 2011, however, the Bulls have no wherewithal to acquire Melo without a sign and trade deal, so New York will have an opportunity to leverage the desire of Chicago and Melo to be together against the Bulls inability to get it done any other way, and try to get some assets from the deal

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

Mavs looked uninspired last night in Denver...what gives?

Amin

(3:43 PM)

That mile high altitude aint fun

Joe (Toronto)

Don't you think Toronto @ Brooklyn monday should be a National tv game?

Amin

(3:45 PM)

Unlike your weekly pickup game, national TV dates are not determined on the fly. ESPN is allowed to broadcast national games on specific days (as is TNT), so it's not one of those things where you pick up the paper and say "WORD?? Raps and Nets playing TODAY?! Send the trucks down, we got this!"

Trevor (Rhode Island)

I believe Orlando has a bright future with the young talent they have, for this offseason should they look for a veteran free agent or rely on the draft and get another young player?

Amin

(3:45 PM)

Slow and steady wins the race. Absent getting a surefire steal of a deal, the Magic should continue on the path they are on

Rob (Minnesota)

Seems to me a big thing holding back the Wolves from taking that next step and making the playoffs is Adelman. His rotations specifically and misuse of the players at his disposal is at best confusing. Thoughts?

Amin

(3:46 PM)

I think Adelman is burnt out and doesn't want to be in Minnesota anymore. That's just my personal opinion from afar

ted (cape cod)

If Goran Dragic played for a bigger media market, would he be getting serious MVP consideration?

Amin

(3:46 PM)

Maybe but let's be serious: MVP is a two horse race, and it wouldnt matter if Dragic played in LA or NY

Brandon (MD) [via mobile]

Am I crazy for thinking Dallas could be a more realistic destination for Melo than Chicago given that they would have more room under the cap so they could offer an actual max deal?

Amin

(3:46 PM)

You're not crazy at all

Scott (Westminster, CO)

Local radio had Stan Van Gundy on and he said Dirk was the best foreign player to ever play in the NBA...agreed and then I thoguh of Manu...who willl be looked at as better?

Amin

(3:47 PM)

Manu will go down as one of the most underrated players of all time, he sacrificed more than anyone for the sake of winning....but even then, I think Dirk is the superior player. Does Hakeem not count as foreign though?

dan (maine)

The 76ers have 15 victories. Their over/under win total before the season was set at 17, the lowest number on the board. With 24 games remaining, are you taking the over or under?

Amin

(3:47 PM)

Push!

Greg (LA)

speaking of the Suns, how did they NOT trade Okafar for Pao with a couple of #1's thrown in?

Amin

(3:48 PM)

If Pau were worth "a couple of #1s" (love how casually you throw that out there), I think they would have gotten at least ONE

Jay (Charlotte)

Is Al Jefferson having the best under the radar season in the entire NBA? He is the only player in the East averaging 20/10.

Amin

(3:49 PM)

Him, Lowry and Dragic. Al suffers from a particular brand of unfairness, where people typecast you a certain way for your entire career, regardless of any change or growth you've exhibited

Sagar (NYC)

I'll save the Melo to Chicago talk for the offseason. Is Joakim Noah an All-NBA-First Teamer? 2nd? or are Dwight and Hibbert above him?

Amin

(3:52 PM)

I have Dwight above Noah, but Noah above Hibbert

Resul Mert (Bursa, Turkey) [via mobile]

Are you thinking D.Granger will be star player again in Los Angeles. I'm sorry to speak English well. Thanks

Amin

(3:53 PM)

Granger's days of being a star are probably over, and definitely over in LA. Not enough minutes, touches, and time left in the season for him to be anything more than a specialist off the bench for the Clippers

JJ (CA)

Do you think last nights win is going to be a turning point for the Knicks?

Amin

(3:53 PM)

Sure, if the turn is 360 degrees

Bill (Boulder)

If Derrick Rose were a free agent this summer, what kind of contract would you see him getting? considering the enormous upside, and injury risk

Amin

(3:54 PM)

A similar deal to Andrew Bynum's: lucrative but heavily protected in team's favor

Thomas P (Los Angeles)

What is worse in your opinion? A team like the 76ers who are tanking to get a high draft pick, or a team like the Lakers who are taking a mulligan on the season by signing 1 year contracts to clear space for free agency?

Amin

(3:55 PM)

Obviously, the rules make it so the Sixers strategy this season is the "right" thing to do. But in general, I think failing to compete on purpose is the worst thing in our sport. At least on paper, the Lakers thought they'd be competing for a playoff berth. Being bad on purpose should never be a "smart strategy". But again, gotta be mad at the system and not the team

Kenny (ATL)

Do you think the Bobcats have enough to surprise people and make some noise in the playoffs with the Jefferson and Kemba duo (assuming they don't get matched up against Miami in the 1st round)?

Amin

(3:55 PM)

I think the Bobcats have done enough surprising, unless they can find their way to the 6th seed

Sal Pal (Chicago)

Amin, what are the realistic chances that Melo comes to Chicago? Is there any chance that Melo and Mirotic end up playing together? Thanks.

Amin

(3:56 PM)

Looking slim unless Mirotic accepts a discount deal

Jason (Toronto)

Right now Toronto would play Brooklyn in Round 1. Who has a better chance to win the series? Who would be the more troublesome matchup for Indiana? (I'm assuming Miami wins the East...sure looks they are heading for it nowadays)

Amin

(3:57 PM)

At the beginning of the season, I thought Brooklyn would not be as awesome as everyone else predicted, and that their offseason acquisitions would bear fruit in the postseason. I stand by that prediction and think they'd outlast Toronto in a playoff series, but neither would put a dent in Indiana

Wos (Queens)

Any merit to the media pounding the panic button on the Pacers?

Amin

(3:57 PM)

Only panic button pushing will happen when they meet King James and his Royal Court

Devin Brooks (Detroit)

Amin,, Do you believe the RUMORS of I.Thomas coming to Detroit to be the next GM and moved J.Dumars out... ? Or is it going to be Phil Jackson.. if you had to Guess.. thanks

Amin

(3:57 PM)

I don't believe either rumor, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with Phil

Tim (AZ)

Would there be any chance in any way of any possibility that Haslem turns down his PO with Miami for 2014-15?

Amin

(3:58 PM)

Any possibility you'd turn down $4.6 million out of the kindness of your heart?

Marc (San Jose, CA)

With the Warriors finally being healthy and with the addition of Steve Blake; do you think they can climb higher than the sixth spot in the west? Do you think they can win more than one playoff series?

Amin

(3:59 PM)

Moving up in the West past 6 might be out of reach, but they can definitely still win a playoff series (or two) if they catch the right matchup

Patrick (Cleveland)

Speaking of NBA travel, do NBA players or the teams get frequent flier miles/hotel points?

Amin

(4:05 PM)

I know as a staff member, I got my Marriott points!

mark (wi)

I watched the bucks blowout the 76ers and could not believe the lack of booing in philly? why is philly not booing this team.

Amin

(4:05 PM)

The short answer is the crowd knows the deal.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Have you seen anything from any of the rookies who have had little playing time- Len, Schroeder, etc.- to make you think they might yet turn into useful players?

Amin

(4:07 PM)

Well, I'm of the opinion that there is very little for me to believe that any of the rookies aren't going to turn into useful players (other than the ones I wasn't high on to begin with like Shabazz Muhammad). So in the cases of Len, Schroeder, and Bennett, the jury is still out as far as I'm concerned

brett (louisiana)

Do see Kobe coming back this year, and if so, making a big contribution?

Amin

(4:07 PM)

Contribution to what? His favorite charity?

Michael (Chicago)

The Suns will have $33 million in committed salary in the offseson and 3-4 1st round picks. Why are they not discussed as a landing spot for Melo? Bledsoe-Dragic-Melo-Morris-Frye Buckets!

Amin

(4:07 PM)

Your opinion of Melo is higher than most. I don't see the Suns going after Melo

Kip (Work)

Why do people assume the Thunder are a legit contender? 2 years ago with all pieces available they won 1 game against the Heat WITH home court. And went out to the Grizz last year easily minus Westbrook, were is the substantial improvement? KD aint enough

Amin

(4:08 PM)

If you don't think the Thunder are a legit contender, you must not have cable.

Mitch (NJ)

Shouldn't the Knicks go after one of the Van Gundy's - Jeff, Stan or Morty (CYO coach in Brooklyn)?

Amin

(4:08 PM)

Ha! If a Morty Van Gundy coached the Knicks, that would be awesome!

Dirk (AAC)

What the hell am I still doing in Dallas? Why can't I quit Cuban?

Amin

(4:08 PM)

Because he treats you so good...

Andrew (SC)

Why do some analysts stress so hard about how "jump shooting teams" need to score more points in the paint on the road? Why would playing on someone else's court drastically change your gameplan like that?

Amin

(4:09 PM)

I think that's lazy analysis from a bygone era. It doesn't matter if you're a jump shooting team or a post up team, the key to winning is being a GOOD team!

Jack (Miami)

So Nique downplays LeBron's career night, but isn't he the same guy who only a few years ago allowed the rim to block his wide open dunk? But yeah he'll drop 60 on CHA, okay bro. lol

Wayne (Vancouver)

Thoughts on Dominique dis-credting Lebron's 61 point game? He rants about how Bobcats are bad on defense and didn't close out. He realized that Bobcats are top-10 defense, and that Lebron only got 2 assisted baskets (layups off cuts) the whole game? There's really no defense or closeout possible for off-the-dribble 3's. Lebron didn't get easy points on FTs, fastbreak dunks, or open 3s. Nique, watch the game before you rant!!

Amin

(4:10 PM)

As I said on THTV Live yesterday, some of these old school heads need to stop with the nitpicking and just enjoy the show. After all, nobody critiqued Dominique's scoring exploits by saying "Elgin Baylor was sooooo much better"!

Kyle (Canada)

TOne common 'rule' to be considered a contender is to be in the top ten in offensive and defensive efficiency and the Raptors the only team in the east that can lay claim to this. Should they be considered underdogs to win it all this year?

Amin

(4:11 PM)

I know Canada has great prescription medicine coverage, but I'm wondering exactly what prescription you might be on right now

Billy (Illinois)

Amin, you just wrote "the Bulls have no wherewithal to acquire Melo without a sign and trade deal." But Chicago can dump the salaries of Boozer &#x26; Dunleavy, leaving them with around $43.7M of committed salary for 2014-15 to Rose/Noah/Gibson/Butler/Snell. That should give them a lot of cap space (perhaps not the "max", but still a big number) to sign Anthony as a FA.

Amin

(4:12 PM)

Are you gonna be the guy who breaks it to Melo that he's taking a $6 million pay cut in year 1?

Geir (Oslo, Norway)

Thibs has his flaws and may be pushing some guys too hard w minutes. BUT, in ragging on him yesterday for playing hard and trying to win it seems you are saying only teams with legit chance to win a chip should try hard or try to win, everybody else look toward future/rebuild/tank? To hear that from a real insider like yourself speaks volumes about the mentality in hte league and approach to winning or trying to put a good product on the floor. Agree?

Amin

(4:13 PM)

I'm not saying that, I'm glad he's trying to win, but sacrificing the health of players in exchange for a couple extra wins and the same overall fate seems extremely narrow minded, n'est pas?

Jim (Houston)

I keep hearing that Dwight is a immature baby with no post moves. How can he be All-NBA?

Amin

(4:13 PM)

I keep hearing you get your basketball opinions from the wrong places. How can you ask that question?

Nikola Mirotic (Spain)

Should I be the Bull's priority this offseason?

Amin

(4:13 PM)

You would be if I ran the Bulls, Nik..

Robert (Orlando)

It seems that a lot of teams are getting rid of their advance scouts. Is there still a place in the league for them?

Amin

(4:14 PM)

Excellent questions. What a lot of teams are going to is hiring freelance advance guys, who do the scouting work for several NBA teams at a time. All part of rising needs for cost efficiency

Khalid (Oxford UK)

Hi Amin, really value your NBA oppinion. What is your opinion of the Lakers going forward? wouldnt it be better to tank this year and next to keep next years draft (top 5 protected), and then go after free agents? without the sacarsm pleasel ol

Amin

(4:14 PM)

I'm not sure they have much of a choice! They are awful this year, and barring an absolute free agency coup, they'll be pretty bad next year.

Amin

(4:15 PM)

Last one...

Ron King (Here)

What's it like getting to be a basketball reporter, when you know nothing about basketball?

Amin

(4:16 PM)

I dont know, Ron....I'd ask you the same question, except the fact that you don't get to be a basketball reporter either. Ah well...

Amin

(4:17 PM)

Thanks for all the great and not-so-great questions everyone! Catch THTV Live tomorrow at 2PM ET!